Discipleship: A Deeper Love for Christ–an interview with Life Changing Discipleship (LCD)

24012010

Like a newly born baby, a new believer needs help for him to grow. A new Christian should desire to mature and be useful for God’s purpose. He needs discipleship. Its a big word for many. But we need it to have deeper love for Christ. So we asked Ptr Elmer Quilas of Life Changing Discipleship (LCD) about Discipleship.

ROCK Ministry: Hi Ptr Elmer . So tell us what is Discipleship?

Elmer Quilas: Discipleship is the unveiling of God’s heart in the Word into the hearts of God’s children.

ROCK Ministry: Wow. Its what God’s want for his children. How important is discipleship especially to the new believers?

Elmer Quilas : It is very important because the Bible needs to be read and heard, it needs to be grasped or understood, also it needs to be acted upon and lived out in obedience and another thing which accomplishes the great commission is that the Bible needs to shared with others.

ROCK Ministry: Does it take a lot of time? Does it have to be one on one? Does it have to be a pastor member approach?
Elmer Quilas : 30 minutes or so each week will work. Discipleship is a process of growing a new believer to maturity. Consistency will play a great deal in the entire process. As a common saying says, “one apple a day takes the doctor away.” 30 minutes of sharing one’s life to another when accumulates in time matures a believer.
We cannot be effective to all but we can always be to someone. Since human personality is so complex, I believe that the Spirit of God uses people according to how a person can be best effective in sharing. God is using our experiences, culture, education and other things so the one discipling can clearly relate to his disciple.

RM: How can busy student and professionals benefit with discipleship?

EQ: Discipleship is a personal relationship developed. Flexibility can be applied. It doesn’t require permanent place only common place, doesn’t require permanent time only common interest, and it doesn’t require all of my time only common commitment.

RM: I read somewhere that discipleship can be easy if we establish first a relationship. whats your comment on that?

EQ: I strongly believe that relationship comes first in many cases of effective discipleship. It it true that I have to sell myself first before my product it is also true in effective discipleship.

RM: OK. How do you start discipleship?What are the necessary tools for it?

EQ: I always approach discipleship in the light of the Lord’s life how He first chooses people. In Matthew 4:18-22 account, Jesus saw the people, He called them and they followed Him. In John 12:32 account, Jesus draws people. You disciple people you attract.

RM: Do you recommend self discipleship or a person can just pick up his Bible or buy a Christian book?

EQ: I believe that every child of God is accountable for every action he makes. I cannot discount the benefits that Christians get through personal reading and devotions. The Bible is strongly expressing the benefits you get when you become like Joshua who was a disciple of Moses, Elisha who received the double portion of Elijah’s power, and in the New Testament Timothy whom Paul claimed to be his son in the faith. Nonetheless, before the apostle Paul’s execution, he told Timothy to “Take Mark” which implies a son and father relationship. I would say that great men of the Bible are the product of great mentoring and nurturing.

RM: Any message for those students who wants to be discipled?

EQ: A musician will learn under another musician because he wants to emulate him. There is something about his playing that the student desires. We become followers of Jesus because we love Him and desires to become like Him. This is the all-encompassing goal of a disciples’ faith.

RM: Please tell us about LCD, you and your church.

EQ: LCD is a ministry that hold retreats, seminars, trainings and Bible Studies that helps the youth, family and individuals discover their potentials and develop it. Through our series of meetings, we encourage them to use their God given potentials not only for their personal benefit but also to others.
I am Dr. Elmer C. Quilas, Senior Pastor of Gateway Christian Baptist and Ministries Inc. Our purpose is to love God and to love people. Our vision is to evangelize and make disciples. And our goal is to make every believer a leader